The consensus is that Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving will win the Rookie of the Year, and Minnesota point guard Ricky Rubio will finish second in the voting. What happens third to 10th is anyone's guess with Thompson's recent play putting his name among Kemba Walker, Brandon Knight, MarShon Brooks, Kenneth Faried, Isaiah Thomas, Chandler Parsons, Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson, Derrick Williams and Kawhi Leonard in a straw poll of some NBA beat writers.

Since Thompson took over the starting spot, opened by the trade that sent Monta Ellis to Milwaukee on March 23, the No. 11 choice has put up better numbers than every rookie except Irving, the No. 1 overall pick. Thompson has scored 20-plus points in three straight games and is averaging 18.4 points during the past 22 games.